Unexpected Baby Name Trends for 2024

Virgin Radio

4 Jan 2024, 18:00

Experts reveal rising baby names that defy expectations.

Choosing the perfect baby name is a task laden with excitement and intrigue, as parents strive to find a moniker that is not only unique but also resonates with personal significance.

However, the landscape of baby names is ever-evolving, influenced by trends, pop culture, and unexpected choices that even the experts 'never saw coming.'

Sophie Kihm, the editor-in-chief at Nameberry, has unveiled some of the surprising baby names and trends anticipated for 2024. These rising choices may soon echo through playgrounds, defying conventional expectations.

Rising Stars: Baby Names Defying Expectations

Chosen: Chosen, a fast-rising word name, has taken experts by surprise with its recent surge in popularity. Sophie Kihm attributes its resurgence to NFL quarterback Cam Newton, who named his son Chosen in 2015.

After a decade of dormancy, Chosen is now gaining favor as a modern spiritual name, aligning with the broader trend of spiritual monikers gaining momentum in the 2020s.

Kayce: While the Nameberry team anticipated the success of the name Dutton, inspired by the popular show Yellowstone, the spin-off name Kayce caught them off guard. A variation of the classic name Casey, Kayce's unexpected rise is attributed to its unique spelling and pronunciation, deviating from the anticipated trajectory.

Love: The straightforward virtue name Love was initially expected to secure a place as a top middle name. However, its rapid ascent as a first name has surprised experts. Parents are drawn to Love for its amorous imagery and the timeless allure of the V sound. Perhaps influenced by characters like Love in Netflix's You, the name is breaking free from its conventional middle name status.

Neriah: Neriah, a name with origins in the Old Testament as a minor male character, has left experts puzzled by its newfound popularity among baby girls. Credit is given to the mononymous indie singer Neriah, whose influence has inspired parents to embrace this unconventional choice for their daughters.

Anime Names: One of the most surprising trends is the rise of anime names. Sophie Kihm notes that names from anime and manga, typically known for their character-specific meanings, are gaining traction as baby names. Choices like Kenji, Kaisen, and Jiraiya, inspired by niche interests such as anime, underscore the evolving landscape of baby naming.

Key Trends for 2024: Expert Predictions

Nameberry creator Pamela Redmond has outlined key trends for 2024, offering insights into the evolving landscape of baby names. Among the anticipated trends are:

• 'Girl' names for boys

• Feminine feminist names

• Grown-up names

• Airy, atmospheric names

• Naturally glamorous

• Main character energy

• Gentle parenting names

• STEM names

• -ai names

• Musical icon names

As parents navigate the ever-changing world of baby names, these trends provide a glimpse into the diverse and unexpected choices that may shape the playgrounds of the future.

Most Popular Baby Names of 2023: Old Favourites and New Contenders

While some parents seek unique monikers, the most popular baby names of 2023 reveal a mix of old familiar favourites and emerging contenders. Olivia claimed the top spot for girls, dethroning former winner Sophia, while Muhammad maintained its stronghold as the number one name for boys. The enduring appeal of classic names coexists with the ever-evolving landscape of baby naming, where unexpected choices continue to capture the imagination of parents.